If you’ve ever dreamt of the marriage between luscious cheesecake and decadent brownies, Cheesecake Brownies are your ultimate dessert fantasy come to life. These bars unite the creamy tang of classic cheesecake with swirls of irresistibly fudgy chocolate brownie, creating a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging your own sweet tooth, this recipe is a surefire way to impress and delight with every bite. Get ready for a baking adventure that brings out the best of both worlds—all in one pan!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Cheesecake Brownies so magical is their simplicity—each ingredient has a job, ensuring the perfect swirl of chocolate and creaminess. With just a few pantry staples plus a block of cream cheese, you’re set for brownie bliss.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Provides richness and guarantees that classic fudgy texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup for brownies, 1/4 cup for cheesecake layer): The foundation of sweetness for both layers, balancing the cocoa and cream cheese flavors.
- Large Eggs (2 for brownies, 1 for cheesecake layer): Bind everything together and help create structure and moisture in both the brownie and cheesecake.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon for brownies, 1/2 teaspoon for cheesecake layer): Lifts all the chocolate and dairy notes with floral, fragrant undertones.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): Brings deep chocolate flavor and color to the brownies without making them overly sweet.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to keep the brownies dense but not cakey, ensuring every bite is satisfyingly chewy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A touch that enhances the other flavors without making the brownies actually salty.
- Baking Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just a hint of lift—enough to keep the brownies from being overly dense.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the cheesecake swirl; it should be smooth for the ultimate creamy finish.
How to Make Cheesecake Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your Cheesecake Brownies are easy to lift out and slice perfectly—plus, no stuck edges or messy clean-up!
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
Grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the melted butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until everything looks glossy and smooth. This is the base for your brownies, and blending it well means your final bake will be beautifully uniform. Now add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder—stirring just until combined. Overmixing is brownie enemy number one, so stop as soon as your batter comes together.
Step 3: Assemble the Brownie Base
Pour about three-quarters of your brownie batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. This layer serves as the fudgy foundation for all the cheesecake goodness to come, so take a moment to level and nudge it into every corner.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Your goal is a mixture that’s creamy and lump-free—this step is what gives Cheesecake Brownies their heavenly marbled look and signature texture.
Step 5: Swirl, Swirl, Swirl!
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Dollop the remaining brownie batter on top, then grab a knife and gently swirl the two layers together. Don’t go overboard—aim for gorgeous streaks of chocolate and cream cheese for that bakery-worthy effect.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for set edges and a center that doesn’t jiggle but still yields slightly to the touch. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Cool completely before slicing—this is the secret to neat, photogenic bars with beautiful swirls!
How to Serve Cheesecake Brownies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of chocolate chips, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce can glam up your Cheesecake Brownies in seconds. For an extra luxurious touch, try a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a few fresh berries. These simple garnishes make every square look and taste like a showstopper.
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness with a side of tart fruit—think sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges. If you want to lean into the indulgence, pair your brownies with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. For a gathering, serve with hot coffee or chilled milk; the contrast of hot and cold is pure comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Cheesecake Brownies into tiny bites for a dessert tray, layer chunks into parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries for a fun twist, or add them atop a bowl of ice cream for the ultimate sundae. For special occasions, wrap individual squares with parchment and tie them with a ribbon for a sweet edible gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesecake Brownies will stay moist and delicious for up to five days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen, and the creamy swirl gets even fudgier—if you can make them last that long!
Freezing
Make a double batch and freeze what you don’t need: wrap the cooled, sliced brownies tightly in plastic wrap and slip them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to three months. When a craving strikes, simply thaw a square at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked taste, microwave individual Cheesecake Brownie squares for about 10–15 seconds. This takes the chill off and softens the layers just enough for gooey, melty magic.
FAQs
Can I use boxed brownie mix instead of homemade?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute your favorite boxed brownie mix for the homemade base. Just follow the package instructions and use as directed in the steps above before adding the cheesecake layer.
How do I get perfect swirls in my Cheesecake Brownies?
For picture-perfect swirls, use a butter knife or wooden skewer and gently drag it through the layers. Be careful not to overmix—less is more, and you’ll be rewarded with those gorgeous ribbons of chocolate and cheesecake.
What’s the best way to slice Cheesecake Brownies cleanly?
A clean, sharp knife is key—run it under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for tidy edges and beautiful layers. Make sure the brownies are completely cooled (or even chilled) before slicing for best results.
Can I add extras like nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Fold in a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra crunch and texture. Swirl in some caramel or fruit preserves on top for even more fun and flavor.
Are Cheesecake Brownies gluten-free or keto-friendly?
As written, this recipe does contain wheat flour and sugar. However, you can experiment with a reliable gluten-free flour blend and your favorite sugar substitute to tailor the recipe for special dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to bake something special, these Cheesecake Brownies are calling your name. They’re deliciously rich and so impressive—yet unexpectedly simple to make. Give them a try, share them with someone you love, and enjoy every blissful, chocolatey, creamy bite!
Print
Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect marriage of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake with these decadent Cheesecake Brownies. With a layer of velvety cheesecake swirled into moist, chocolatey brownies, this dessert is a true delight for your taste buds.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix brownie batter: Whisk melted butter, 1 cup sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a bowl. Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder; stir until combined.
- Layer the batter: Pour 3/4 of the brownie batter into the pan. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Spread cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter.
- Swirl and bake: Dollop remaining brownie batter on top and swirl with a knife. Bake for 30–35 minutes until set.
- Cool and slice: Let it cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and chill before cutting.
- You can also swirl in raspberry or caramel sauce for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
